Patterson, a newcomer to the political scene, lived in Scotts Valley for 28 years and opted to run after receiving encouragement from neighbors and other residents in the city. He said he was told his upbeat, positive attitude would make for a good voice on the council.

"Obviously, it's not the jurisdiction where I worked ... but this is a good way for me to take what I learned working in government and be able to help people in Scotts Valley," he said.

While he retired in 2006, he has since worked as a consultant in emergency management, teaching local government agencies and writing emergency natural disaster plans for private companies.

He also said his role as chair on the city's planning commission has given him an idea of the future.

Aguilar has spent 18 years on the council and opted to run again because of her passion for the role.

"I just have a passion for what I do and helping people and integrating different perspectives into our community," she said. "I love what I do and love serving people and have a lot I need to finish."

Among them is the revival of the city's economic progress, which Aguilar said is on the rise.

"I'm looking to make sure we are working with developers to make sure we have a good market niche of affordable housing for our teachers, police officers and blue collar workers," she said. "I'd like to enhance what we have available in Scotts Valley."

Aguilar serves on the board of directors for the League of California Cities, an association focused on influence decisions that affect cities. Aguilar said she is aiming to become an officer in the league and represent Scotts Valley, which hasn't been represented for a number of years.

For Reed, who was elected in 2007, seeking reelection is also about seeing projects through, particularly revitalizing the city's economic vitality. He added that increasing employee costs and mostly stagnant revenues are the new normal for cities.

"Getting the city in a financially sustainable path is really important," he said. "I've lead the effort for tax increases in town and voted against spending more than any other councilmember."

Reed also reiterated the importance of his day job as the vice president of public policy for the San Jose-Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce. At the job, he develops a stronger economy in the greater Silicon Valley area, which includes Scotts Valley.

His decision to seek re-election is fueled by the love for the job, he said.

"I feel very humbly proud of the role the city council has played in keeping Scotts Valley on the right track," he said. "I want to build on that and see the Town Center built. See us on a permanently financially sustainable path."